The threat, worn and tiresome as it might be, has been injected into Joe Robbie`s efforts to gain local government approval for the construction of a stadium and business complex just south of the Broward-Dade County line.

If stadium plans are turned down, said Robert Shevin, attorney for the Miami Dolphins, Robbie may take his team to Phoenix. Or Baltimore. Or Portland.

Shevin was speaking to county officials who are questioning the size of the complex and the impact it would have on roads and surrounding neighborhoods.

With time running out on his construction schedule, Robbie`s edginess is understandable. But wheel-spinning frustration is part of the process when major building projects are being considered. This one is massive.

Questions still have to be answered before decisions are made about how much development the area can take, how many road and utility improvements are needed, and how much Robbie should contribute to those improvements.

Land use experts cannot roll over on command. They should, however, keep wasted motion to a minimum. Ignored for years by his Orange Bowl landlords, Robbie, a creative financing virtuoso, will build the stadium with private money. It will be an asset to South Florida.

He deserves the full attention of planners and politicians. And the community deserves a reprieve from all talk about flight to Phoenix.